The Dead Weather 'Dodge and Burn'

Jack White enthusiasts rejoice, Dodge and Burn may just become your new go-to album. On September 25, 2015 super group The Dead Weather, released their long awaited 3rd album. The 4 piece garage rock band, includes members from other highly acclaimed rock bands including the White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Kills. 

Dodge and Burn is a unique, adventurous listen that shows heavy influence from the members past projects. The first track “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)” sounds like it could be a track straight off a Queens of the Stone Age album. Raw, distorted guitars kick off the album into a groovy, blues-laced verses. Throughout the entire album, you get a mysterious, minimalistic lyrical style which will leave you guessing what vocalist Alison Mosshart is trying to tell you. You also hear all 4 band members sing at least one song at some point throughout the collection.

“What does the black top know that I have not cracked with my mind

Nothing is a color

Gray as the pill

Deep in the eye

Why do the street lamp shine on still

When nothing is alive”

Lyrics from “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)”

Something I really enjoyed about Dodge and Burn was the interesting, experimental drum choices that drummer Jack White chose. In tracks like “Lose the Right” you’ll hear a echoed, reggae sounding drum kit and then hear a softer, jazzy sounding kit in the next track “Rough Detective”. I thought this really solidified the overall unusual feel of this album. 

I found Dodge and Burn to be a energizing and organic listen. The Dead Weather push the boundaries of genre identification and make it easy to appreciate their musicianship in each song. My recommendation is throw on some headphones, and give it a try. The Dead Weather Dodge and Burn may not be for everyone, but I’d say it definitely worth the listen.

Notable tracks: “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)", "Buzzkill(er)", "Three Dollar Hat"

Lana Del Rey 'Honeymoon' Album Review

Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon is a passive, romantic journey through the pains of love and heartbreak. Elizabeth Grant A.K.A Lana Del Rey, released her fourth full length album on September 18, 2015 much to the delight of her fans. 

The first thing that struck me, was the use of real instruments. In the era of ProTools and virtual instruments, artists have the freedom of writing and recording music on the road. Although this is an incredible achievement, it sometimes leads to the overuse of virtual studio technology. For traditionalists, you will be pleasantly surprised by the mic-ed up guitar amps, orchestral instruments, and live horns.

The track “High by the Beach” is the obvious radio single, with its massive beat and hypnotic vocals. It demonstrates Del Rey’s ability to incorporate modern elements of music to her retro, cinematic style. Following “High by the Beach”, is a track I thoroughly enjoyed called “Freak”. Freak exhibits Del Rey’s amorous writing style.

“Flames so hot that they turn blue

Palms reflecting in your eyes, like an endless summer

That's the way I feel for you

If time stood still, I'd take this moment

Make it last forever”

Lyrics from "Freak”

I found Honeymoon to be a very relaxing and reflective listen. Honeymoon grants listeners the chance to listen to something completely original and different from everything in main stream music today. My only problem was that the last 5 tracks didn’t maintain the intensity and emotion that the first half of the album did. I love the originality of Lana Del Rey’s sound. It’s truly refreshing, but in future albums I’d like to see her try and broaden her sound, simply as an experiment. It may yield incredible results, but for now I will happily enjoy it for what it is. 

Notable tracks: "Honeymoon", ""High by the Beach", "Freak"